Amar

Not to be confused with the Yonderian county of Amarre.

Amar
Consolidated city-parish
Cartadanian: Cidade de Amar Yunis: K'íiwilo'ob yéetel Parroquia ti' Amar
From top down, left to right: Downtown Amar; Richland County Superior Court; Verona Court of Appeals for the 8th District; Axiom Superdome; Amar City Hall; Lake Prince; and the Serra Afiada from Delta Ridge
Flag Logo
Location of Amar in Porta Bianca
Country	Cartadania
State	Porta Bianca
Formed as town	1691
Incorporated as city	1883
Consolidated with Amar Parish	1906
Government
• Type	Mayor-council
• Body	City Council
• Mayor	Hialeah Iglesias Micanoco (SDP)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,213,407
Demonym	Amarense
PEP Code	97001-97066
Area code(s)	316/519/875
Website	Amar Government Website

Amar, officially the City and Parish of Amar (Cartadanian: Cidade de Amar; Yunis: K'íiwilo'ob yéetel Parroquia ti' Amar), is a consolidated city-parish in the Commonwealth of Porta Bianca. It holds the status of being both the political capital and the most populous urban center within the Commonwealth. As of the most recent demographic accounting conducted during the 2030 census, Amar has amassed a substantial residential populace, numbering approximately 2.2 million individuals. In the broader context of Cartadanian demographics, Amar stands as the nation's fifth-most densely inhabited metropolitan center.

This city's historical trajectory into a consolidated entity transpired on the notable date of January 30, 1906, an epoch characterized by the dynamic urbanization and the concomitant augmentation of municipal facilities. This consolidation effort was prompted by the exigent necessity to streamline administrative purviews and mitigate issues stemming from the overlapping jurisdictional responsibilities of the city and the Parish of Amar.

Amar's strategic geographic placement is of marked significance, nestling at the heart of the state's principal island territory. Its geographical adjacency to Merced Bay further elevates its status as a paramount urban locus within Porta Bianca, encompassing a multitude of intricate components that contribute to its thriving urban fabric.

History

Carolina Pineapple Plantation, 1887

With its origins tracing back to the annals of history, Amar emerged as a township in the year 1691. In that year, Captain Diogo Urtiga, a Commonwealth explorer, and a group of Jesuit missionaries established the foundations of what would become town. Initially conceived as a small port area, Amar's strategic location along the coastline made it an ideal hub for facilitating trade and transportation. The early settlement quickly grew as it facilitated trade and commerce between Cartadania and other occidental territories. Over the ensuing centuries, this nascent settlement underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving into a city of considerable significance within the broader scope of Porta Bianca's urban landscape. As a settlement so far from the initial landing point, the area was often discounted a distant bedroom community to the larger southern communities.

The pivotal juncture in Amar's historical narrative unfolded as the township achieved a significant milestone in 1883 when it was formally incorporated as a city within the Amar Parish. This transformation was marked by the establishment of a municipal government, with Mayor Carlos Rodrigues at its helm. The city's newfound status reflected its growing importance as a center of economic activity, spurred by the thriving pineapple plantations located in the western hinterlands. The strategic relocation of the state's capital from the city of Kiowa, situated within Palestina Parish, to Amar in the same year not only reinforced Amar's burgeoning stature but also underscored its pivotal role in the political and administrative affairs of Porta Bianca.

Urtiga Plaza, City of Amar, 1906

However, it was not until the dawn of the 20th century that a seminal development would again alter Amar's governance and administrative framework. On the morning of 30 January 1906, Amar embarked on a path of consolidation, unifying its administrative and jurisdictional reach with Amar Parish. This transformation was driven by the imperatives of urban development of the city and parish. Amar's consolidation with Amar Parish in 1906 marked a defining moment in its history. Governor Maria da Cruz, in collaboration with city leaders, recognized the need to streamline governance, enhance municipal services, and create a more cohesive administrative framework. This consolidation further solidified Amar's role as a prominent urban center within Porta Bianca and strengthened its position as a critical maritime gateway due to its bustling port.

Throughout the 20th century, the Port of Amar experienced substantial growth, becoming the second-largest port in Porta Bianca after Kairi. Under the stewardship of dedicated port officials and the influence of prominent shipping magnates, the port's facilities expanded, accommodating larger vessels and fostering increased trade and commerce. This pivotal development solidified Amar's reputation as a major maritime and economic hub within the state.

Throughout its history, Amar has borne witness to the endeavors and contributions of numerous historical figures, each leaving an indelible mark on the city's cultural, political, and social landscape. Amar's historical role as a port town was closely intertwined with the thriving pineapple plantations that flourished in the region to the west of the city. Prominent plantation owners and agricultural entrepreneurs played a crucial role in shaping the city's economy and influencing its growth. The pineapple trade, along with other agricultural endeavors, significantly contributed to Amar's prosperity and development. The city's journey through time encompasses a tapestry of events, innovations, and transformations that have collectively sculpted Amar into the dynamic and vibrant metropolis it is today.

Geography

Climate

Amar exhibits a humid tropical rainforest climate (Köppen classification: Af) characterized by its significant annual rainfall and warm temperatures. This climate is distinguished by its driest month not meeting the criteria for a tropical monsoon climate. The city experiences an average annual temperature of approximately 27.6 °C (81.7 °F) along with high humidity levels. Annually, Amar receives an average of 2,300 millimeters (91 in) of precipitation.

The climate of Amar follows distinct seasons primarily determined by rainfall patterns. The period from July to September is relatively drier, while the months spanning from December to May bring heavy rains. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence throughout the year, with occasional instances of hail reported.

Due to Amar's proximity to the equator, which lies about 255 kilometers (158 mi) north of the city, the local climate is marked by consistent warmth throughout the year. Winters do not bring cold days, and instances of intense polar air masses affecting the city are infrequent, although they have been recorded, notably in August 1961. These rare occurrences can lead to temporary temperature drops, occasionally reaching 18 °C (64 °F) or lower. The city's closeness to forested inland regions and the moderating influence of cool coastal air collectively mitigate temperature extremes while contributing to the city's overall humid character.

Demographics

See also: Demographics of Cartadania

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
1800	1,681	—
1810	3,228	+92.0%
1820	5,716	+77.1%
1830	8,814	+54.2%
1840	17,891	+103.0%
1850	29,341	+64.0%
1860	37,615	+28.2%
1870	51,982	+38.2%
1880	71,330	+37.2%
1890	113,906	+59.7%
1900	129,954	+14.1%
1910	376,002	+189.3%
1920	489,130	+30.1%
1930	517,323	+5.8%
1940	629,013	+21.6%
1950	813,942	+29.4%
1960	1,003,248	+23.3%
1970	1,279,336	+27.5%
1980	1,572,834	+22.9%
1990	1,783,752	+13.4%
2000	1,825,680	+2.4%
2010	1,909,948	+4.6%
2020	2,001,871	+4.8%
2030	2,213,407	+10.6%

The Cartadania Office of the Census certified that, as of 1 July 2030, the population of Amar stood at 2,213,207, solidifying its position as the fifth-most populous city in Cartadania and the most populous locality within the Commonwealth of Porta Bianca. Within this diverse urban landscape, various ethnic backgrounds contribute to the city's rich demographic background.

The majority, constituting 54.3 percent of the population, identifies with Pardo Cartadanian, or northern Sarpedonian heritage (i.e., Caphirian or Pelaxian). Cronan descent, the second largest of the ancestry groups, comprises 21.8 percent of the population, adding to the city's multicultural landscape. Approximately 13.4 percent of residents trace their origins to Polynesian and/or broadly Vallosi roots, while 7.3 percent identify with Levantine heritage. A smaller yet distinct group, at 2.2 percent, claims Alshari ancestry. Finally, all other people groups comprise less than one percent of the city's population.

According to the 2026 linguistic census conducted by the Government of Porta Bianca, Cartadanian stands as the predominant language, with near-universal comprehension. Pelaxian follows closely as a widely spoken tongue, with a 95% comprehension rate among the populace. Moreover, 72.3% of residents demonstrate proficiency in speaking Pelaxian, while 79% can read it, and 53% can write in the language. This linguistic competency in Pelaxian can be attributed to a comprehensive language immersion educational program, mandated at both federal and state levels, as well as the linguistic similarity between the two languages, considered to be around 85%.

In addition to Cartadanian and Pelaxian, Amar boasts a significant presence of North Vallos languages, prominently including Burgoignesc and Latin. The linguistic landscape further diversifies with the incorporation of indigenous languages like Yunis, as well as various other Taínean languages and English.

Religion

See also: Religion in Cartadania

Statue within the Basilica do São Gonçalo.

Amar's religious demographics depict a more nuanced demographic than is seen elsewhere in the country, reflecting the evolving landscape of spiritual beliefs and affiliations. In a 2022 survey conducted by the city government, a notable shift emerged as 41.5% of residents identified themselves as Catholic. This marked the first instance where less than half of respondents identified with Catholicism, aligning with the broader nationwide trend of declining Catholic adherence.

Subsequent data from a 2029 survey conducted by sociologists at the University of Porta Bianca revealed that 48.2% of Amar's residents identified as Catholic, with 9.9% practicing Catholics and 38.3% identifying as non-practicing Catholics. The evolving religious fabric of the city thus mirrors the national landscape, characterized by a diminishing Catholic majority.

Among the diverse array of religious affiliations, Islam emerges as the largest minority faith, representing 4.9% of Amar's population, approximately 108,457 adherents. A range of other religions, including Judaism, contribute to the remaining 6.4%. Intriguingly, a significant portion of the population, totaling 47.2% of respondents, identify as Irreligious, signifying one of the highest proportions in the country. This dynamic shifting in religious composition has made apparent Amar's evolving beliefs in contemporary Cartadania.

Economy

Certi Esmeralda Hotel in the Emerald Hill district.

Amar holds a significant position within Cartadania's economic landscape. As a longstanding port city and international trade hub, it has played a pivotal role in the nation's commerce, particularly as the westernmost port within the Sarpic region. Over the years, Amar has diversified its economic activities, moving away from historical agricultural dependence towards industrialization and commercial growth.

The city's economy saw notable acceleration in the aftermath of the Second Great War, marked by a profound industrial transformation. Despite this transformation, as of 1984, Amar had not established an independent economic region but rather remained closely integrated into the broader economic landscape of the state.

Amar's economic vitality is multifaceted, with a strong emphasis on industry, commerce, finance, logistics services, and the fishing sector. Its industrial output encompasses an array of products, including vegetable fats and oils, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, footwear, dairy items, beverages, construction materials, furniture, plastics, cement, textiles, and metal mechanical components, among others.

Tourism constitutes another pivotal sector, facilitated by the city's accessibility through the Delgado-Carrington Amar International Airport, one of Porta Bianca's primary gateways. Key tourist destinations are concentrated in districts such as Emerald Hill, Águas Corais, and Vistamar, hosting luxurious accommodations. Additionally, historical sites like Palmcrest, Old Amar, and Colina Crescente feature prominently in tourism campaigns. Amar's tourism infrastructure ranks among the most modern in the region, notably in terms of lodging facilities, which cater to diverse preferences and standards, ranging from youth hostels to global hotel chains. The city is a focal point for construction activities, drawing substantial investments from both national and international developers, particularly along the Biancan littoral zone.

Within Amar, the Parque do Flamingo district houses a corporate precinct known as the 'Milha Dourada' or 'Golden Mile,' serving as a significant financial center housing local and international banking institutions. Furthermore, Amar's Parque do Flamingo district wields considerable influence on the economic landscape of Porta Bianca and the broader Vallosi region.

Government

City-Parish Government Center

The governance structure of Amar is distinctive, stemming from its status as a city-parish. The mayor serves a dual role as both the city's executive and the parish's chief executive officer, while the parish Board of Commissioners effectively operates as the city council. Amar operates under a charter city framework, characterized by two co-equal branches of government.

The executive branch, helmed by the mayor, encompasses citywide elected and appointed officials, as well as the civil service. In parallel, the legislative branch consists of an 11-member Board of Commissioners, presided over by a designated president. The Board carries the pivotal responsibility of passing laws and budgets, with Amar's residents additionally empowered to enact legislation directly through ballot initiatives. The Board of Commissioners comprises members elected to represent specific districts within Amar, adhering to a single-member plurality voting system. In the event of the mayor's vacancy due to death or resignation, the President of the Board of Commissioners assumes the role of acting mayor until the full Board elects an interim replacement for the remainder of the term.

Due to its unique city-parish designation and its status as the state capital, the local government retains jurisdiction over select areas situated beyond the city's geographic limits. A pertinent example is the Amar International Airport, which, despite being partially situated in Maria Parish, falls under the sole ownership and operation purview of the City and Parish of Amar.

Amar's representation in the broader political landscape encompasses several dimensions. In the Senate of Porta Bianca, Amar corresponds to the 13th Senate District, represented by SDP Alceu Costa. Within the Porta Bianca Chamber of Emissaries, Amar spans eighteen emissarial districts, primarily represented by SDPs. On the national stage, in the Cartadanian Chamber of Emissaries, Amar's presence extends across four congressional districts, with the majority of the city located in the 8th, 9th, and 10th Districts. A smaller section in the southwest panhandle aligns with the 3rd District, where Reginaldo Santana (SDP–Aquila Junction) serves as the emissary. Santana's tenure includes a notable stint as the Orator Princeps from 6 January 2025 to 2 January 2029, a role he had previously held from 2017 to 2021.

Education

P-12 education

P-12 education in Amar falls under the purview of the Amar Parish School Board, formally referred to as Amar Public Schools in official documentation. This governing body oversees the entirety of public primary and secondary education within the parish and consistently achieves commendable rankings for academic performance, establishing itself as one of the state's top school districts.

A pivotal transition in the educational landscape transpired in 1981 when Porta Bianca shifted from a centralized, statewide school district model back to a decentralized structure. Previously, Amar served as the focal point for Porta Bianca Education District 1 (PBED1) within the unified statewide system. However, the burgeoning population of the state necessitated a more tailored approach. Consequently, educational authority reverted to local school boards, reinstating their autonomy and enabling a more nuanced response to the evolving educational landscape.

Post-secondary education

University housing at the Commonwealth University of Porta Bianca.

Post-secondary education in Amar is diversified across nine community colleges, integral components of the Merced Bay Community College System (MBCCS). This extensive network includes campuses situated within Belle, Maria, Merced, and São Tiago Parishes, making higher education widely accessible throughout the region. The MBCCS operates under a framework comprising five parochial regions, with Amar coinciding with the Amar College District.

At the apex of the post-secondary educational landscape in Amar stands the Commonwealth University of Porta Bianca (CUPB). This public institution serves as the city's preeminent center for higher learning and is the second-largest university in the state, following the University of Porta Bianca. Despite the stature of CUPB, the University of Porta Bianca retains its position as the flagship institution within the state, characterized by its extensive enrollment and status as the oldest public university beyond the Lusia and Valeria regions.

A spirited rivalry, known as the 'Battle of the Deep Blue', engrosses both universities, permeating various sporting events. This rivalry draws substantial crowds, with stadiums and arenas accommodating up to approximately 80,000 spectators. Symbolically, the rivalry is reflected in the universities' mascots, with the University of Porta Bianca represented by Poseidon, the Olympian deity, and the Commonwealth University of Porta Bianca characterized by Amphitrite, a Nereid of Istroyan mythology.